A MAJOR alert was issued to road users this morning as the Dublin Tunnel was force to close due to “technical issues”.
Road bosses alerted motorists this morning warning of “delays” due to the closure.
The busy tunnel on the M50 was closed northbound and southbound this morning due to the technical problems.
It had first been closed just heading south however, was swiftly moved to a closure in both directions just after 8.30am.
Posting on X, The Dublin Tunnel account said: “Traffic Alert!
“The Dublin Tunnel South Bore is currently closed due
technical issues. Drive with care!”
Just minutes later they issued another alert stating: “The Dublin Tunnel South/ North bound is currently closed due technical issues.”
A large “expect delays” warning accompanied both updates.
Less than half an hour after the closure it was announced the tunnel had fully reopened.
It comes ahead of a planned full closure of the tunnel tonight.
The 4.5km stretch will fully close at 9.30pm.
It will reopen at 4.30am in the early hours of Tuesday morning.
Tunnel bosses said: “The Dublin Tunnel will be closed tonight, Monday. Full Tunnel Closure – 21:30 to 04:30.
“All northbound HGV & Bus traffic please route via Alfie Byrne Road.”
M50 DELAYS
On top of chaos caused by the tunnel closure, the M50 is experiencing heavy congestion this morning.
On the M50 southbound there’s congestion between J12 Firhouse and J13 Dundrum.
Also southbound there will be delays between J6 M50/N3 and J9 Red Cow, with traffic sitting there too and congestion also between J5 M50/N2 and J7 M50/N4.
Northbound traffic has built up between J5 M50/N2 and J3 M1/M50.
SLIP DELAYS
Further delays will occur for motorists on the M50 southbound.
A breakdown at on-slip J7 was reported just after 9am.
And Transport Infrastructure Ireland have warned motorists to drive with care due to the “breakdown involving a car or motorbike.”
They warned: “When approaching the breakdown location, reduce your speed and drive with caution.
“Minor delays to your journey may occur.”
RAIL MEDICIAL EMERGENCY
A medical emergency has caused delays on a busy service headed for Dublin this morning.
Enterprise Train, who run services between Dublin and Belfast, alerted passengers to the delays after a person onboard became ill.
The service is now 25 minutes delayed as a result.
Posting on social media Enterprise Train said: “Due to a passenger being taken ill, the 08:00 Belfast Grand Central to Dublin Connolly has been delayed at Portadown and is now 25 minutes late.
“Apologies for any inconvenience caused.“
REDUCED CAPACITY
And Irish Rail are also facing some issues this morning.
The 05.15am Westport to Heuston service was delayed this morning as was the 6.50am Connolly to Belfast service from Drogheda.
And a number of busy routes are operating at reduced capacity today.
These include:
- 10.17 Connolly/Maynooth
- 11.09 Maynooth/Connolly
- 12.17 Connolly/Maynooth
- 13.10 Maynooth/Connolly
- 14.17 Connolly/Maynooth
- 15.09 Maynooth/Dun Laoghaire
- 16.40 Dun Laoghaire/Dundalk
- 22.05 Drogheda/Connolly
